WHICH TESTS ARE APPROPRIATE

[flopatz]

Had a STEMI approx. 8 weeks ago completely out of the blue (other than hindsight symptoms of angina and other symptoms attributed to longterm chemotherapy) Seems my LAD is fairly blocked, together with other main vessels to some extent. Medics saying this has been going on for a while and blood vessels have formed and re-routed to alleviate the lack of blood supply. Blockage was in a very small artery - angiogram to try to stent revealed it was too narrow so it has been stretched and treated with meds meantime.

Main question is - hospital release noted suggest possibility of further investigation with 'guided MRI' but this is not being offered. Other than this, the only test I have had is an ultrasound, which I understand shows heart function, but not blockages. Should I be pushing for any other tests as still struggling with angina on slightest exertion.

Feel slightly let down by oncologists as I repeatedly complained of shortage of breath and swelling of ankles (I'm 50 yrs old). On reading about heart issues, they seem like fairly classic symptoms of heart issues. I feel like I've been patted on the head and told "there, there". Any thoughts?

[Happyholidays19]

Have you thought about contacting one of the BHF nurses? I phoned them when I thought that I had been given some dubious info from a nurse practitioner at the gp surgery. They were very good at explaining things and suggesting next steps.

I have found that the consultants I have seen, whilst being experts in their field, are only interested in their specialism and how best to treat that condition rather than taking a holistic view.

Take care

Jane

[flopatz in reply to Happyholidays19]

Thanks Jane. Think I might contact the cardio rehab folk. They were going to contact me somewhere at the 4 week mark - but looks like I've fallen off their radar.